Northamptonshire could be facing a raid on their best players as rival clubs look to exploit their troubled financial situation

George Dobell01-Jul-2016Northamptonshire could be facing a raid on their best players as rival clubs look to exploit their troubled financial situation.ESPNcricinfo understands that Olly Stone, Ben Duckett and Josh Cobb have all been targeted by other clubs who hope to sign them ahead of the 2017 season.While Stone is currently sidelined with an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament – a freak injury he sustained celebrating a wicket – the 22-year-old is seen as one of the most exciting young pace bowlers in England. ESPNcricinfo understands that Hampshire lead the race to secure his signature.Duckett, the third highest run-scorer in Division Two of the County Championship so far this season, is contracted at Northants until the end of 2017 but, as was the case with David Willey last year, the club could agree to release him should they agree a transfer fee with another club and Duckett decides he is prepared to leave.As a young player at one of the smaller clubs, though, he offers outstanding value to a rival club. Precedent suggests any transfer fee is likely to be around 50 percent of his salary.Cobb, meanwhile, has the option of another year at the club but is waiting until later in the season before he decides what to do. It is understood he is of interest to several other clubs with a view to white ball cricket, in particular.Despite their well-chronicled off-field difficulties, Northants currently sit at the top of the North Division of the NatWest Blast table and can count both Duckett and Stone as home-grown players. Should the pair go on to represent England – and it is far from impossible – the club would continue to benefit from performance-related fee payments.

Jurgen Klopp has changed the fortunes of Liverpool FC and cemented himself into Anfield folklore by bringing the first Premier League title and a sixth Champions League title to the second-biggest club in England.

While he has a reasonably consistent hit rate with bringing in some big players to change the trajectory of Liverpool's fortunes, there have been a few notable big-money flops, and Naby Keïta is probably the highest-profile player who didn't quite meet the expectations at Anfield.

Liverpool's fortunes this season

Liverpool started this season neck and neck with Manchester City as the second favourites to lift the title. However, they took it to the final day in the 2021/22 season, and the two teams had set the bar so high that nobody could see past the two for the title.

As we know, Mikel Arteta and his magisterial Arsenal have gate-crashed that particular party and look like they could be on course to lift their first Premier League crown in nearly 20 years. Betting markets at Bet UK offer comprehensive outright markets on Premier League events and you would have got fantastic odds at the start of the season for Arsenal to win the title.

It looks like Liverpool has started their season too late in their bid to qualify for the Champions League. Having been destroyed by Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid in this year's knockout stages and comprehensively beaten in the league by Man City, it looks like it is back to the drawing board for Klopp, including shifting out the deadwood.

What went wrong for Keïta?

Although some Liverpool fans say they have operated on a shoestring budget compared to their rivals, this isn't the case. Manchester City has spent more money but Liverpool isn't just getting by on a frugal budget.

In the same way, the likes of Brighton currently sit above Liverpool in the table and seem to have a conveyer belt of world-class talent that they bring in for incredible prices. Although Kopites might like to think they fall into this bracket, the figures show they have spent a fortune.

An eye-watering price tag of £48m was the cost for the Guinean international. But, to be fair to Liverpool, it looked like it could be a bargain at the time. He had a great strike rate for a midfielder at Leipzig and at the age of 23, it looked like his best years were yet to come.

One of the main reasons Keïta has failed to fill his potential at Liverpool is due to several injuries he has sustained during his time there. However, saying he has been a total flop would be unfair. In some games, he looked very much like the player Klopp would have wanted, and he was given the legendary number eight shirt, which was vacant due to their talismanic ex-captain Steven Gerrard leaving the club after 26 years.

Keïta has played dozens of games for Liverpool and has been lambasted on social media by LFC fans for his perceived lack of commitment in big games, although injuries and often being played out of position definitely haven't helped his cause.

He has been overshadowed in his area of the pitch by other quality additions, such as Thiago, and Keïta hasn't gelled well with other midfielders, such as captain Jordan Henderson. Therefore, Jurgen Klopp is happy to allow Keïta to see out the remainder of his contract this summer and leave as a free agent.

Keïta’s next club

Given that he commanded such a colossal fee back in 2017, there are still plenty of clubs interested in the Guinean's services and it could be a smart move if they can land him on a free transfer. Wherever Naby finds himself, they will be delighted if he can recreate some of his Leipzig form that led to Liverpool splashing out nearly £50m.

Internet rumours and media stories come cheap, and if you were to look at social media, Naby could be joining half of the top clubs in Europe. However, the rumours that seem to be gathering the most momentum include signing for FC Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund.

It would seem a natural fit, given that Keïta has already prove himself in Germany, and Dortmund will likely lose their superstar midfielder Jude Bellingham this summer. Whether Keïta wants to travel back to Germany at this stage of his career or would rather play in another of Europe's top leagues is a decision that only he can make.

Players must often factor in what is best for themselves and their families. However, if the circumstances are favourable, we would expect to see Keïta travelling back to Germany to rekindle some of that excellent form that made him one of Europe's top talents just five years ago.

The ability to adapt quickly to unfamiliar conditions was crucial to New Zealand’s victory in the first Test over Zimbabwe, according to coach Mike Hesson

Firdose Moonda in Bulawayo01-Aug-2016

The ability to adapt quickly to unfamiliar conditions was crucial to New Zealand’s victory in the first Test over Zimbabwe, according to coach Mike Hesson. He praised Neil Wagner and BJ Watling for assessing the Bulawayo surface, which did not offer much pace or bounce but grew abrasive as the game went on, and working out how to succeed on it.Wagner’s career-best 6 for 41 was headlined by his short-ball barrage, an unusual sight at Queens, where most seamers stick to simple plans and wait for a mistake. But Wagner bent his back and attacked Zimbabwe’s line-up in the first innings and the early parts of the second, before adjusting his strategy and searching for reverse-swing as the ball aged.Although his second-innings returns were a third of his first innings, it showed his dual use as a wicket-taker, with both new and old ball, something that has come with being more certain of his game.”When he came up three or four years ago he was excited and keen to make an impression. He probably didn’t stick to his gameplan for too long but he’s a lot more experienced now and he’s certainly got the confidence of the captain,” Hesson said. “He’s able to change his game, as we saw. He can swing the new ball if he’s given it. He can certainly reverse the old one and we know he can bowl bumpers. Especially on unresponsive surfaces, he’s a good bowler.”Equally good but less celebrated was Watling, whose century did not get the same attention as Tom Latham’s or Ross Taylor’s, perhaps because it came after theirs. Watling’s was the fastest of the three hundreds and ensured the game did not drift at a time when Zimbabwe’s wearing bowlers were focused on containing. Watling tired them out even more, pierced the gaps and rotated strike with intent.”He is incredibly perceptive. He is one of the few players that can adapt technique mid-game,” Hesson said. “He makes subtle changes to his grip. He is a very talented and very hard-working cricketer.”Some conversations around the match spoke of Watling being the best wicket-keeper batsman in Test cricket at the moment, a label Hesson would not mind endorsing. “His keeping in very tough conditions, in the subcontinent, in England, has been exceptional for us. He often bats with the tail and he has an ability to eke out as many runs as possible. We’re not going to trade him for anyone,” Hesson said.Overall, Hesson assessed New Zealand’s performance as “very thorough,” with both batsmen and bowlers executing the patience plan as intended. “We talked about playing the long game. We did that. We also showed how important the new ball was. We can be a little bit impatient with the ball at times but I am clutching to find some work-ons. Before hand, we said 20 wickets would be tough to take so we’re pleased that we did it.”New Zealand will have Monday off before spending a night at Heath Streak’s farm outside Bulawayo and will then return to training on Thursday in preparation for the second Test which starts on Saturday. Doubtless, they will be eyeing a clean sweep in Zimbabwe before moving on to South Africa, where they will face a tougher challenge in their bid to keep climbing the rankings.”These two series are a chance for us as a group to gain some of the ground that we lost a few months ago against Australia,” Hesson said. “We had gone eight series without a loss before we faced them at home and away. Before that, we had gained a lot of ground and then we lost some.”

ScorecardBenny Howell’s sterling efforts could not see off Kent•Getty Images

Gloucestershire’s run of success in the NatWest T20 Blast South Group ended with a three-run defeat by Kent in a dramatic finish at Bristol.The visitors posted what seemed a moderate 148 for seven after losing the toss, having been given a decent start by openers Joe Denly (51) and Tom Latham. Benny Howell claimed three for 29, while Andrew Tye conceded only 19 from his four overs.In reply, Gloucestershire could manage only 145 for eight, despite 42 from Michael Klinger and Benny Howell’s rapid 37. Kagiso Rabada (1 for 19) and David Griffiths (2 for 22) were the pick of the Kent attack.The hosts needed 16 off the last over, begun by Mitchell Claydon, but finished by Griffiths after the Australian has been ordered out of the attack for a second no-ball full toss above waist height.Kent skipper Sam Northeast said: “Mitchell Claydon was supposed to pitch the ball halfway down the pitch in the final over so I’m not sure what went wrong. It was a greasy ball, which obviously slipped out of his hand, and these things happen.”Fortunately David Griffiths had a couple of overs left so we were able to turn to him. He has been a death bowler for us so he was a good guy to have up our sleeves.”As against Somerset last night, we were slightly disappointed with our score, but the bowlers have done the business for us. Now the aim is to win our last three group games and see where it takes us.”The start of the match saw Denly help himself to early sixes off Matt Taylor’s first and second over, but Gloucestershire bowled well in the powerplay, with Liam Norwell bowling three overs for 19, to restrict their visitors to 46 without loss after six overs.Even so, Kent looked to have laid the foundation for a decent total when with the total on 57 in the eighth over Latham was caught at deep mid-wicket off Howell.Denly went on to a 33-ball half-century, with four sixes and two fours, before getting an under-edge to Tye and being bowled with the score on 94 in the 12th over.It proved a turning point as Howell, Tye and left-arm spinner Tom Smith put the squeeze on Kent. Only 17 runs were added in the next four overs, which saw the demise of Sam Northeast and Alex Blake.A brief Darren Stevens cameo of 20 off ten balls was the best the visitors could manage and their total looked below par in good batting conditions.Gloucestershire made a poor start chasing the modest target when Hamish Marshall was run out for a single by a smart piece of fielding from Kagiso Rabada off his own bowling.Ian Cockbain was struck on the helmet by Rabada before being bowled for eight by a good delivery from Mitch Claydon. At the end of the powerplay Gloucestershire were 37 for 2, but Rabada had bowled three of the six overs, clearly in an attempt to remove danger-man Klinger.The Gloucestershire captain looked well set in the 12th over when a leg-side wide from James Treadwell saw him stumped by Sam Billings. At the end of that over the hosts were 74 for 3.Howell went straight on the attack, blasting a straight six and a four off the next over from Fabian Cowdrey. With Chris Dent already going well, it was the impetus Gloucestershire needed.Dent went for 28 to an injudicious scoop shot off Griffiths that saw him glove through to Billings and at 104 for 4 in the 15th over the game was still in the balance.Kent took control when Kieran Noema-Barnett was caught at mid-on off Claydon and Gareth Roderick was bowled by a full ball from Griffiths.Rabada returned to bowl Tye with the second ball of the penultimate over, but drama ensued when Claydon’s first delivery of the last over slipped and he had to hand over to Griffiths.That drama continued as Howell, was caught off another no-ball for height, only to be run out as he tried to claim a second run. Griffiths then held his nerve and the home side fell agonisingly short.

Scott Borthwick and Mark Stoneman plotted a route to safety as Durham and Warwickshire both took solace in the draw points that eased their relegation worries

ECB Reporters Network26-Aug-2016
ScorecardScott Borthwick just missed out on a century as he piloted Durham to safety•Getty Images

A stand of 151 between Scott Borthwick and Mark Stoneman ensured Durham were able to hold out for a draw in the Specsavers County Championship match against Warwickshire at Chester-le-Street.Durham were only ten behind with eight wickets standing when Stoneman fell for 80 and Borthwick went on to make 91 before he departed five balls before hands were shaken.Rikki Clarke came on bowling off spin and his first ball was so wide of off stump Borthwick could not resist flailing at it, only to get a big inside edge into his stumps.Durham were on 195 for three, 21 ahead with 22 overs still availabel when a draw was declared, Warwickshire taking 11 points and Durham eight.It was a welcome return to form for Borthwick, whose form slumped when he was widely reported to be on the verge of England selection.Things looked ominous for Durham when, with 84 overs to bat, they lost Keaton Jennings for a duck in the fifth, when he pushed forward and edged Keith Barker behind.But Borthwick was soon stroking Barker effortlessly through the covers, while Stoneman had made only one when he whipped Chris Wright over long leg for six.Patel came on for the 14th over and conceded only seven runs in his first nine overs, going closest to a breakthrough when Stoneman missed an attempted cut on 45 and was almost bowled.A repeat of the stroke brought the three runs which took him to 50 as nine runs suddenly came off Patel’s tenth over.
Both batsmen completed their half-centuries off 93 balls and continued neck and neck as Durham reached 162 for one at tea, only 12 behind. Stoneman was bowled by Patel without addition.Resuming on 344 for 7 in the morning, Warwickshire added 37 in ten overs, losing Tim Ambrose for 50, before declaring 174 ahead. Barker was unbeaten on 43.Warwickshire captain Ian Bell said: “We came in this morning excited about our opportunity considering the amount of movement there had been in the pitch.”But it was not to be. This was a better day for batting, whereas yesterday would have been a good day to bowl. It seems to be a trend of the season that every time we get in a good position the weather gets in the way.”

ScorecardPaul Stirling’s century eased Middlesex to victory•Getty Images

Paul Stirling and Eoin Morgan both scored attractive hundreds as Middlesex eased to a comfortable six-wicket victory against Kent in the Royal London One-day Cup at Lord’s.Stirling hit 112 and Morgan 103 not out as Middlesex chased down Kent’s 50-over total of 238 for 7 with 5.1 overs to spare, but also central to the home side’s success was the brilliant bowling of new-ball pair Steven Finn and Tim Murtagh.Finn, a fearsome prospect particularly in an intimidating opening spell, finished with 2 for 31 from his ten overs while Murtagh even bowled a maiden, his third, in the 46th over of Kent’s innings on his way to figures of 2 for 28.Irishmen Stirling and Morgan put on 214 in 39 overs for the third wicket after Ryan Higgins edged Matt Coles’s first ball to first slip in the second over and Middlesex were reduced to 16 for 2 when Nick Gubbins was caught behind off Mitch Claydon in the fifth over.When Stirling eventually fell, chipping Joe Denly’s leg spin to short extra cover, only nine more runs were needed for victory. Morgan saw Middlesex home at 239 for 4, despite the further loss of George Bailey to Coles. Both Stirling and Morgan struck a six and 13 fours.Both teams came into this South Group tie with two wins from four matches but, for such an important game in the eight-fixture group stage, both also had to do without two players chosen in the England Lions squad for their Tri-Series against the Pakistan and Sri Lanka A teams.Kent’s total, though below-par, was almost entirely due to a fighting third-wicket stand of 135 in 26 overs between Sean Dickson, whose 99 from 126 balls was a career-best in what was only the 24-year-old’s sixth List A appearance, and the veteran Darren Stevens, who scored 61 off 70 balls.Finn deserved more than just the scalp of Kent captain Sam Northeast in a blistering new ball spell of 6-2-13-1. Running in hard from the Pavilion End, he beat Dickson several times early on and almost had him caught at midwicket from a miscued clip off his pads.Northeast, on 2 and trying to work a fast, rising ball to leg, succeeded only in lobbing it back at Finn, who moved to his right and leapt high in his follow-through to take the return catch.Murtagh was also a handful in his own impressive and probing opening spell of 8-2-26-1, and the seamer had Denly lbw for 4 in the third over of Kent’s innings. At 12 for 2, when Finn sent back Northeast, it looked as if Kent – with the England Lions pair of Daniel Bell-Drummond and Sam Billings missing from their top order – were in big trouble.It was a moot point, and one not lost on Kent supporters, whether Bell-Drummond and Billings, despite his magnificent 175 for the Lions against Pakistan A at Canterbury, would have learned more as prospective senior England batsmen had they instead been up against the fiery Finn and the wily Murtagh. Certainly, Kent could have done with Billings’ capacity for explosive run-making in a match central to both teams’ ambitions of earning quarter-final qualification.Middlesex followers, meanwhile, were wondering about the absence from their attack of Toby Roland-Jones, with the in-form fast bowler left out of the Lions team, led by Dawid Malan, chosen to face Pakistan A.Somehow, Dickson and Stevens managed to see off Finn and Murtagh and, against the change bowlers, they began to build their fine partnership. An extraordinary upper-cut six off a suffering James Fuller by Stevens, with a vertical bat, helped to change the momentum of the innings.Stevens also drove Ollie Rayner’s off spin straight for six while Dickson played some quality strokes including a classical off drive for four against left-arm seamer James Franklin and a reverse-slapped boundary against Rayner.When Stevens slog-swept Rayner straight into deep square leg’s hands in the 32nd over, the 40-year-old all-rounder slumped down on his bat in disappointment and Finn’s return, to bowl the 36th and 38th overs, brought Middlesex right back into the game.Dickson, having edged Finn through a vacant first slip to go to 99, chopped the next ball into his stumps and only Alex Blake, with 23, and Callum Jackson, who hit Fuller over long on for six in a 24-ball unbeaten 28, made much impression after that.

Tottenham Hotspur have identified Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as leading candidate to become their new manager, according to a recent report from the Independent.

What's the latest Tottenham manager news?

Tottenham have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, as it has recently transpired he wants to stay on with the Clarets for an additional season, making it unlikely he will take another job in the off-season.

A surprise new candidate for the job is South Korea boss Jurgen Klinsmann, who is now being considered by chairman Daniel Levy, while former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has also been linked with the role.

At one stage, it was claimed that Mauricio Pochettino was "pushing hard" for a return to N17, however the club's hierarchy is said to have reservations about re-appointing the Argentine, and rivals Chelsea are now in talks.

According to a report from the Independent, Slot is now being viewed as a leading candidate for the Spurs job, as the Feyenoord boss has struck the board as the manager who best fits what they want.

The 44-year-old is viewed as a manager on an upward curve, with experience working with young players, akin to Pochettino when he was first appointed in 2014, which may make him a more attractive option than some big-name managers.

Although the Dutchman is one of the main contenders, Tottenham are also still monitoring Julian Nagelsmann, while Roberto De Zerbi has also been considered, but a deal for the Italian would be difficult to strike.

Should Tottenham appoint Arne Slot?

There are plenty of indications the Bergentheim-born tactician would bring an exciting style of football to Spurs, having been hailed as "ultra-attacking" by Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan.

During his time with Feyenoord, Slot has led the club to the Europa Conference League final, before narrowly coming up short against Roma, while his side are also way out in front at the top of the Eredivisie, having lost just one game all season.

The former AZ Alkmaar boss has never managed outside of the Netherlands, which means it would be a risk to appoint him, however Levy has been unsuccessful when bringing in proven Premier League managers, including Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.

As such, the Feyenoord boss could end up being a shrewd appointment for Tottenham, and they should continue to monitor his availability between now and the end of the season.